Yesterday I asked about what to take to a potluck and many people said bring a cold salad. The host is already making a salad, so I was thinking a fruit salad and perhaps set it up in disposable cups so it looks presentable. Here's the catch: the host told me to bring a side dish and another guest is already bringing a cake as a dessert. Can fruit salad be counted as a side dish and a dessert, or should I pick something else?
2006-12-28 02:09:48 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Entertaining
The host is already making a pasta salad.
2006-12-28 02:14:47 · update #1
I have often taken a fresh fruit salad to a potluck. Watermelon canalope, honeydew, grapes. But dont use fresh pineapple. It always goes good, because alot of people are watching their weight and love fruit
2006-12-28 04:05:41 · answer #1 · answered by Kathy W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
Side dish maeans something that can accompany the main course. Fruit salad is perfect. Many side dishes at potlucks seem to be heavy, or starch laden foods. I frequently bring fresh fruit salad to potlucks, and it always goes quickly. I toss sliced bananas in a solution of lemon juice and water, then drain, before adding to the salad. This keeps them from turning brown. I like to use a little orange juice stirred in also. Oranges and sliced grapes are also wonderful additions.
I love all the 'empty calorie' sweet and fat things that people sometimes add to fruit, however, really, fruit is sweet enough by itself. And it is healthy. Sweet, yummy, healthy - what more could anyone ask?
2006-12-28 12:20:05 · answer #2 · answered by Carol Ann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who doesnt like fruit? Its packed full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants! It is better than you starchy potato salad and cold pastas, those doesnt help too much in the BM department.
I see fruits as part side dish if there are other desserts around like cakes and pastries. But if there are no cakes, pastries, and sweets around and there are only fruits then yes its considered more or dessert type. Either way, I think you are fine bringing fruit salad. You can always check with the host if thats good enough to go.
2006-12-28 11:34:16 · answer #3 · answered by kattymckatty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fruit salad is a great idea. A good "binder" is a can of peach pie filling--and the low sugar varieties are good. By this time, people are tired of the usual holiday stuff, and I'll bet your salad will go like gangbusters.
I don't think you need to serve the salad in disposable cups. Fruit salad has the advantage of looking pretty, regardless. Serve it in a big, clear salad or trifle bowl. Do spend a little extra on the best-looking fruit, and go to a grocery store that has a reputation for selling beautiful produce. If you include apples, go with a nice crisp variety like Jonathans, Granny Smith or Fuji. DON'T use Red Delicious! They will turn into mush. Blecch.
Good luck with your salad and have a great time at the party!
2006-12-28 11:23:37 · answer #4 · answered by Amy K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the host said "side dish", then you will probably need to bring something like a cold pasta or potato dish. Fruit can be a great addition, but the host may be counting on a starch item. Might be better to play it safe. Good luck.
2006-12-28 10:13:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A fruit salad is a wonderful idea! There are lots of seasonal fruits that are available, and you can make it very beautiful, and be very creative with the presentation.
Two words of warning (that I learned the hardway! No nuts and oranges! Those two things are things people have a hard time with, because of allergies and such, (and may not realize they are even in there!)
Another word for our vegan friends: no marshmallows: vegetarians don't eat marshmallows, so I always leave those out of potluck meals just in case they happen to be there.
Have fun at your dinner!
2006-12-28 10:15:32 · answer #6 · answered by luvmelodio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you would be safe bringing a fruit salad. Especially after all the holiday parties and eating people are looking for something different. You go to a pot luck and you expect to see the same ole stuff. Be the renegade and go for the fruit! Not to mention all the people who are trying to watch their weight or start the new year off on the right foot (eating healthy) they will appreciate it. I know I would....
2006-12-28 13:09:57 · answer #7 · answered by Emmy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a great idea. And since the host didn't specify exactly what side to bring you are safe bringing a fruit salad.
2006-12-28 10:33:13 · answer #8 · answered by Sarah S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a great side dish. And this time of year it's also very thoughtful since a lot of people have made resolutions to eat better and the choice of fruit over dessert is very appealing.
2006-12-28 10:12:18 · answer #9 · answered by jerrys_love 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We always have fruit at our work parties so I guess it could be anything you want it to be. If you were asked to bring a side dish and you are questioning your choice then bring along some beans or something else too.
2006-12-28 12:27:34 · answer #10 · answered by kna0831 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋